No Criticism Allowed People tend to automatically evaluate each suggested idea--their own as well as others. Both internal and external criticism are to be avoided while brainstorming. Neither positive nor negative comments are allowed. Either type inhibits the free flow of thought and requires time which interferes with the next rule. Write each spoken idea down as it is given and move on.
Work for Quantity Alex Osborn stated that "Quantity breeds quality." People must experience a "brain drain" (get all the common responses out of the way) before the innovative, creative ideas can surface; therefore, the more ideas, the more likely they are to be quality ideas.
Hitchhiking Welcome Hitchhiking occurs when one member's idea produces a similar idea or an enhanced idea in another member. All ideas should be recorded.
Freewheeling Encouraged Outrageous, humorous, and seemingly unimportant ideas should be recorded. It is not uncommon for the most off-the-wall ideas to yield significant inventions
Finding Ideas Look at a familiar object like a pencil sharpener or recycle bin then try these steps to generate new ideas:
Substitute - What else instead? Who else instead? Other ingredients? Other material? Other power? Other place?
Combine - How about a blend, an ensemble? Combine purposes? Combine appeals?
Adapt - What else is like this? What other idea does this suggest? Is there something you're familiar with that is similar to this? How could this be adapted?
Put to other uses - New ways to use as is? Other uses I modified? Other places to use? Other people to reach?
Eliminate - What to subtract? Smaller? Condensed? Miniature? Lower? Shorter? Lighter? Omit? Streamline?
Reverse - Interchange components? Other pattern?
Rearrange - Other layout? Other sequence? Transpose cause and effect? Change pace? Transpose positive and negative? How about opposites? Turn it backward? Turn it upside-down? Reverse roles?
Being Politely Critical n Think about how the partner will receive what you say n Can you get to the same point by asking a question? n Nudge partners to see things from another perspective n Keep it specific about particular parts n Avoid being judgmental, or condescending n If you must be negative, try to first find some specific and positive to share with the partner
Sounds Like: n Did you think about …? n You might want to consider … n I particularly liked … n I found it challenging to work with you when … n How do you think I felt when you ? n I like what you said about...
Reaching Consensus
Trust each other. This is not a competition; everyone must not be afraid to express their ideas and opinions.
Make sure everyone understands the topic/problem. While building a consensus make sure everyone is following, listening to,and understanding each other.
All members should contribute their ideas and knowledge related to the subject.
Stay on the task. You may disagree, that is OK and healthy. However, you must be flexible and willing to give something up to reach an agreement.
Separate the issue from the personalities. This is not a time to disagree just because you don't like someone.
Spend some time on this process. Being quick is not a sign of quality. The thought process needs to be drawn out some.
Procedure
Agree on your objectives for the task/project,expectations, and rules (see guidelines above).
Define the problem or decision to be reached by consensus.
Figure out what must be done to reach a solution.
Brainstorm possible solutions
Discuss pros and cons of the narrowed down list of ideas/solutions.
Adjust, compromise, and fine tune the agreed upon idea/solution so all group members are satisfied with the result.
Make your decision. If a consensus isn't reached, review and/or repeat steps one through six.
Once the decision has been made, act upon what you decided.
Rules for Brainstorming
Finding Ideas
Look at a familiar object like a pencil sharpener or recycle bin then try these steps to generate new ideas:
Being Politely Critical
n Think about how the partner will receive what you say
n Can you get to the same point by asking a question?
n Nudge partners to see things from another perspective
n Keep it specific about particular parts
n Avoid being judgmental, or condescending
n If you must be negative, try to first find some specific and positive to share with the partner
Sounds Like:
n Did you think about …?
n You might want to consider …
n I particularly liked …
n I found it challenging to work with you when …
n How do you think I felt when you ?
n I like what you said about...
Reaching Consensus
- Trust each other. This is not a competition; everyone must not be afraid to express their ideas and opinions.
- Make sure everyone understands the topic/problem. While building a consensus make sure everyone is following, listening to,and understanding each other.
- All members should contribute their ideas and knowledge related to the subject.
- Stay on the task. You may disagree, that is OK and healthy. However, you must be flexible and willing to give something up to reach an agreement.
- Separate the issue from the personalities. This is not a time to disagree just because you don't like someone.
- Spend some time on this process. Being quick is not a sign of quality. The thought process needs to be drawn out some.
Procedure- Agree on your objectives for the task/project,expectations, and rules (see guidelines above).
- Define the problem or decision to be reached by consensus.
- Figure out what must be done to reach a solution.
- Brainstorm possible solutions
- Discuss pros and cons of the narrowed down list of ideas/solutions.
- Adjust, compromise, and fine tune the agreed upon idea/solution so all group members are satisfied with the result.
- Make your decision. If a consensus isn't reached, review and/or repeat steps one through six.
Once the decision has been made, act upon what you decided.